Purple Tang

The Purple Tang is a strikingly beautiful surgeonfish, known for its deep purple body and bright yellow tail. Native to the Red Sea, this tang is highly sought after due to its vibrant coloration, algae-grazing abilities, and bold personality. While hardy, it can be territorial and aggressive, especially towards other tangs, so proper tank setup and compatibility considerations are essential.

Care Guide:

• Tank Size: Minimum 125 gallons, though 180+ gallons is preferred for long-term success due to its active swimming behavior.
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive – can be territorial, especially toward other tangs and similarly shaped fish.
• Diet: Herbivorous – requires a diet rich in marine algae, seaweed (nori), spirulina, and high-quality herbivore pellets.
  • Regular grazing on live rock and macroalgae helps maintain digestive health.
  • Can accept occasional meaty foods like mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, but greens should be the primary diet.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C)
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Salinity: 1.023-1.025
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <10 ppm preferred, though can tolerate slightly higher levels.
• Flow: Moderate to high – enjoys strong, well-oxygenated water with areas of varied flow.
• Reef Safe? Yes, does not harm corals, but may nip at fleshy invertebrates if underfed.
• Tank Setup:
  • Requires plenty of open swimming space and live rock for grazing and hiding.
  • Secure all corals and rock structures as Purple Tangs can be very active.
• Compatibility:
  • Best kept with peaceful to semi-aggressive fish such as clownfish, angelfish, and wrasses.
  • Avoid housing with other Zebrasoma tangs unless introduced carefully in a large system.
  • May aggressively defend its territory against new tank mates, especially other tangs.

Special Considerations:

• Aggression: One of the more territorial tangs, so introduce tank mates strategically.
• Ich-Prone: Like all tangs, it is susceptible to marine ich, so quarantine is strongly recommended before introduction to the main tank.
• High Activity Level: Needs space to swim and graze constantly, so small tanks are not suitable.

Summary:

The Purple Tang is a stunning, hardy, and active herbivore that adds incredible color and movement to large reef tanks. With a spacious environment, plenty of algae, and careful tank mate selection, it can thrive and become a showpiece fish in any saltwater aquarium. However, due to its territorial nature and large space requirements, it is best suited for experienced aquarists with large reef systems.